Human Rights Lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, to refrain from insulting Nigerians amid allegations of a N585 million scandal.
The controversy surrounds a leaked memo instructing the transfer of funds to a private account, prompting heavy criticism of the embattled minister.
In the leaked memo dated December 20, 2023, Minister Betta Edu directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to transfer N585 million to an account owned by Oniyelu Bridget, purportedly serving as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation claimed the grant followed due process, but Falana challenged this assertion.
Falana emphasized that the minister failed to deny approving the payment in violation of public service rules and relevant laws.
Despite allegations, Edu dismissed them as fabrications by detractors seeking to undermine her anti-corruption efforts.
Falana pointed out that the leaked memo indicated an attempt to commit a felony, even if the Accountant-General prevented the diversion.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Falana commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for recovering N37 billion intended for vulnerable individuals.
He urged a swift investigation into the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasizing the need to bring all implicated individuals to trial in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
The lawyer called for accountability in the face of what he described as an “extremely embarrassing drama
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